It all started after a long span of time when Michael had not been feeling like himself, physically (including targeted headaches) and emotionally. "Long story short, probably over the last couple of years I found it very difficult to make my mind up — it sounds silly; it was really frustrating," Michael said. "Just before New Year last year I felt very, very tired the whole time. I found myself being a bit comatose and I got a little bit unhealthy with my lifestyle and that felt odd. Thinking back, I must have been so ill that I couldn't work out that this is dangerous and I should go to my doctor."

A photo posted by David Parnes (@davidbondst) on Oct 20, 2016 at 6:45pm PDT

Michael did eventually see his doctor. After undergoing a MRI he learned of the tumor, which was on the left side of his brain. "I would hope your brain and everyone we know and love has a brain that is straight when we look at it," he said. "My one had collapsed on the lefthand side."

Shortly after the diagnosis, he had two brain surgeries followed by a treatment plan which included radiotherapy as well as chemotherapy, the latter of which he is still undergoing. "It was difficult to keep calm and relaxed but you have to be and therefore I want to live," he said. "There's too much I want to do with my life. You have to have a positive mindset. It's very important. It's not something you can force on yourself. You just have to be. I want to live and then you feel excited to still be here. I value life so much. I wake up excited to be here."

Michael is speaking up about his journey to help those who may be going through similar experiences. His advice for anyone else going through a similar time is to "stay strong and don't be scared." In addition to his positive attitude, Michael also credits his family and friends for being by his side. "My brother has been incredible. My sisters, of which I have two, and my mom and dad and my step mom have been incredible support," he said. "They always turn up, hang out with me, bring me some food — just basic stuff. And my friends have been incredible as well. I can't tell you the support I've had. It helps to have friends and family."

These days Michael is focused on living a healthier lifestyle and getting back to his day-to-day routine, which includes his career (he currently owns properties in Miami and L.A. and used to run a bank he founded back in London). "I really embrace that it changed my whole life. I feel much better," he said. "I still have a bit of a march ahead of me and I'm still susceptible and I've got another [few] months left of chemotherapy, which can be quite challenging, but it's worth it if it keeps me alive. It just takes sections out of your life."